Missing swimmer identified as SC man

Published: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 6:25 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 6:25 p.m.

The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of a swimmer who jumped from rocks near Turtleback Falls Monday and didn’t resurface.

Rescue workers spent two days combing the Horsepasture River near the falls for Jermaine Maffett, 36, of Greenville, S.C. They suspended their efforts Tuesday night.

Aquatic searches may continue this weekend if the water levels and turbulence, which have challenged divers, continue to decrease.

Investigators suspect Maffett may have drowned while swimming with three friends at the falls Monday afternoon. Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue Chief Bobby Cooper said Maffett jumped off a large rock directly across from Turtleback Falls into a popular swimming hole, showed signs of distress and then went under. Witnesses never saw him resurface.

Rescue personnel have set up two catch fences downstream and plan to check the fences and the swimming hole multiple times throughout the week.

<p>The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of a swimmer who jumped from rocks near Turtleback Falls Monday and didn't resurface. </p><p>Rescue workers spent two days combing the Horsepasture River near the falls for Jermaine Maffett, 36, of Greenville, S.C. They suspended their efforts Tuesday night. </p><p>Aquatic searches may continue this weekend if the water levels and turbulence, which have challenged divers, continue to decrease.</p><p>Investigators suspect Maffett may have drowned while swimming with three friends at the falls Monday afternoon. Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue Chief Bobby Cooper said Maffett jumped off a large rock directly across from Turtleback Falls into a popular swimming hole, showed signs of distress and then went under. Witnesses never saw him resurface.</p><p>Rescue personnel have set up two catch fences downstream and plan to check the fences and the swimming hole multiple times throughout the week.</p>